Proposal For Emailed Sample Ballots Moves Forward

TRENTON – An Assembly panel has approved a cost-saving measure sponsored that would allow sample election ballots to be emailed to registered voters.

“In 2012, this is a cost-saving measure that is long overdue,” said Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen/Passaic). “With the proliferation of e-mail, there is no reason to be wasting paper, postage and time in general on mailing hard-copy ballots to every registered voter.”

Under the bill (A-2929), a district board of election or the commissioner of registration may provide a copy of the primary election and school election sample ballots by email to any registered voter eligible to participate in that election and who requests to receive the sample ballot by email.

“This is a simple way to save tax dollars at the local level,” said Assemblyman Timothy Eustace (D-Bergen/Passaic). “If a voter still wishes to receive a printed copy in the mail that will remain their right, but I expect many more voters will choose the more conserving and efficient method of e-mailed ballots.”

Under current law, sample ballots must be printed and mailed to each eligible registered voter.

The bill directs the Secretary of State, in collaboration with statewide election officials, to develop standard procedures to carry out the bill.